Patient 'left in agony' after foot operations

Joyce still suffering after five operations in nine years

A Dumfries woman is to seek compensation after claiming a botched foot operation has left her in agony for nearly a decade.

Joyce McVinnie told the Standard she is still suffering “excruciating pain” after five operations in nine years.

She first had surgery in 2004 but only complained about her treatment last year when she was told that it was time-barred.

However, a consultant was eventually asked to conduct an investigation.

But he determined that there was “no case that would be considered negligent”.

Joyce and her husband Stuart are unhappy with the outcome of the review and are due to meet health board officials on Friday.

She said: “We’ll be demanding compensation. I’ve been left in agony. I’ve had to quit my job at Criffel Cleaning because the pain was too much.

“The investigation found no wrongdoing. I’ve been sent to Nithbank (for treatment) once and they say that’s all they can do.

“It’s ridiculous and not enough has happened in a year.”

It took almost 10 months for Joyce to be sent to Nithbank for what she thought was to be regular treatment on her troubled right foot. However, she only received one session.

The 58–year–old added: “I finally got in to Nithbank and they filed my nail and gave me a cream to use and that was it.

“I thought I would be going there regularly but apparently it was a one–off. They’ve shown me how to do it and expect me to do it myself from now on. It’s disgraceful.”

Stuart added: “The report mentions treating arthritis in one of her joints. The first time I’ve ever heard arthritis mentioned was when I read this report. I couldn’t believe it.

“You shouldn’t go into hospital in slight discomfort and come out in excruciating pain and if you complain it shouldn’t take this long.”

Joyce claims she went for surgery in 2004 to remove excess tissue around her toes but later discovered a metal plate had been inserted instead.

She had a second operation to remove the tissue and a third to take out the plate. Two further procedures were carried out but she insists that she remains in pain.

A spokesperson for the NHS said: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway adheres to the highest standards of patient confidentiality and cannot comment on individual cases. If the patient wishes to contact us to discuss their case we will be happy to help.”